AN AXBRIDGE stroke survivor who was told she may never walk again is taking part in a Stroke Association’s Resolution Run after surviving a stroke aged 29.

Gemma Green, 36, had a stroke in July 2011 which was caused by a blood clot triggered by taking the contraceptive pill.

The 36-year-old said the stroke left her unable to walk or talk and she is competing in the race in Cardiff on March 11 to raise awareness of stroke.

She said: “I started to feel unwell one day, and then suddenly had a severe headache which turned into vertigo.

"It felt like my head had just exploded, I was so disorientated and couldn’t understand what was happening. I soon realised I couldn’t talk and the right side of my body was completely weak.

"At the time I didn’t think I was having a stroke, I thought I needed to sleep and unfortunately I didn’t seek medical attention until the following day.

“The stroke left me unable to walk or talk, I couldn't swallow properly.

"My journey has been a really tough one, I had to learn how to walk and talk again as well as trying to cope with all my emotions.

"There were times when I just didn’t want to live anymore; the struggle was unbearable at times.

“Despite my consultant saying I would never walk, talk or get my degree, I can proudly say, I did all three. It’s been a long journey and there are still good and bad days, but thankfully I’m alive to tell this story.

“No one can quite believe I’ve had a stroke, and that’s why after everything I’ve been through, I wanted to help raise awareness of stroke.

"Anyone can have a stroke at any age and I think more people need to be aware of the signs.

"I hope that with the Resolution Run, I can not only raise awareness, but vital funds for the charity to help others.”

The Resolution Run is an annual event hosted by the Stroke Association to raise money to support stroke survivors and their families throughout the UK.

Participants can take part in a 5, 10 or 15km run and last year participants raised over £633,000 for the charity.

Amy Spencer, regional fundraising manager at the Stroke Association, said the charity hopes to raise more than £850,000 this year.

“A Resolution Run is exactly that – a resolution for the New Year that counts," Amy said.

"It's the ideal event for people in the South West who want to do something fun together, while getting more active in 2019.

"We’re so glad to hear about Gemma’s recovery, and will be cheering her on at the Resolution Run.

"The funds raised by each runner like Gemma means we can reach out to more stroke survivors and their families to offer the support that they may need to rebuild their lives.”

For details visit www.resolutionrun.org.uk or to sponsor Gemma visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gemma-green28